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Hannah prayed and said,
‘My heart exults in the Lord;
my strength is exalted in my God. 1 Samuel 2:1
This Sunday we hear the story of Hannah, the mother of Samuel. Hannah was devout and prayed intensely. She lived at a time when having children, especially a son, was important, yet Hannah was considered barren. One day she prayed that God would give her a son. Her prayer was granted. Hannah rejoiced.
How do we rejoice in God? How do we celebrate all that God has done for us? Some are writing their gratitude each day of November as a Facebook post. Some write gratitude lists daily. Some drop coins in their thankoffering boxes.
This Sunday we have our Annual Meeting. Yes, there is business to conduct, including voting for new leadership, thanking Becky Crup and Tootser Davis for their leadership on Vestry, and adopting a budget for 2019. However, the Annual Report also includes the many ways we have rejoiced in the Lord since the last Annual meeting in 2017.
Please come this Sunday as we rejoice for all that God has given us and the many ways we have shown gratitude and generosity to God through our Christian community.
Many blessings as you finish your week!
Love, Rebecca+
Announcements
G.I.F.T.: Growing in Faith Together
Godly Play will be today and December 9 and 16.
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The next Parlor People session will be December 2.
Is it God we are hearing? led by Jane Hoover.
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At Church of the Nativity
The Annual Meeting will take place today followed by a Pot Luck meal.
The Nominations Committee has recommended the following people to serve in various elected positions for The Church of the Nativity and St. Stephen.
Vestry – Bill Day, Todd Saner
Delegate to 2019 Diocesan Convention – Lynne Mitchell
Alternate to 2019 Diocesan Convention – Rebecca Crup
Representatives to Convocation (3) -Rebecca Crup, Lynne Mitchell
We thank Becky and Tootser for their service on Vestry.
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The church office will be closed Monday, Nov. 19 – Friday, Nov. 23; both Rebecca and Michele will be away.
Michele will be on vacation Saturday, November 17 – Saturday, December 1.
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Upcoming Meetings
Tuesday, November 27, 2pm, Parlor People Planning Committee
Saturday, December 1, 10am, Backdrop and props preparation for the Christmas Pageant
Saturday, December 8, 9:30am – 12:30pm, Eliminating Racism Task Group
Sunday, December 9, Coffee Hour, prepare Christmas Card and cocoa packet for residents of Commons and Gardens.
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Join Us For Breakfast! Wednesdays at 9am.
Women will meet at Newport Family Restaurant this week; Men meet at Espresso Yourself.
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Christmas Pageant practices will take place after church on the following dates – today and December 9 and 16.
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Thank you to everyone who signed up to help with the Join Hands Christmas program.
It is not too late if you would like to contribute. Please see Darlene Amsler or Susan Rice. Reminder that gifts are due Sunday, December 2. Thank you for helping to bring Christmas to Perry County families in need.
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Taize’ Tuesdays, 4:45pm.
Twenty minutes of Centering Prayer followed by a Taize’ service.
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From the Diocese
Support Giving Tuesday, November 27, by contributing to Episcopal Migration Ministries and the ministry of refugee resettlement through your donation, time, prayers, and voice.
To support Episcopal Migration Ministries visit: http://www.episcopalmigrationministries.org/give
You can also provide support by purchasing an EMM t-shirt or tote bag. All proceeds of the fall 2018
fundraiser benefit the ministry of EMM. The campaign closes Nov. 27 and all orders will be delivered by mid-December.
To order, visit:
https://www.customink.com/fundraising/emmfall2018?fbclid=IwAR0yajRP1AOYT6S2ZoZmcVhExitM3HTl_5TNdegNvvbFeWCDw1ZGdGlYvmQ
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This year the diocese is focusing on The Way of Love.
As part of the journey, they are making their way through the diocese on an Appalachian Camino Pilgrimage. You are invited, whether or not you can walk the pilgrimage, to journey with them through a book study using Brian McLaren’s book We Make the Road by Walking: A Year-Long Quest for Spiritual Formation, Reorientation, and Activation. If you would like a copy, please let Rebecca know by December 6. Books are $10 each.
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A New Beginning #2, Retreat for Youth in Grades 6-8, Friday, April 5, 2019 – Sunday, April 17, 2019, Camp Mount Luther, Mifflinburg, PA.
Cost is $100 per participant and includes housing in cabins with other youth, all meals, t-shirt, and all activities. Deadline to register is Friday, March 29. Register at www.diocesecpa.org. For more info, contact Mary Ellen Kilp or Theda Tallman at cpayouthcom.gmail.com or 717-475-2785.
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Community Events and Opportunities for Service
Prayer Shawl Ministry of Newport meets the last Thursday of the month, 10am.
Bring your projects and also learn how to knit or crochet.
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